Message from Acting President
Timothy D. Sands

It’s an exciting time to be a Boilermaker. As the summer winds down, Students have migrated back to campus for the fall semester and we look forward to new faces and to continuing the momentum that is moving this university forward.

In July, we said farewell to outgoing president, France Córdova, who has been a mentor and a friend to me, and a valued leader to our university.

In January we will welcome a new president, Gov. Mitch Daniels, who will bring a tremendous background and exceptional skills to Purdue. Like any new president, one of his early tasks will be to listen, study and learn more about the university – that process has already begun during this transition period. Yet, perhaps more than any president in Purdue’s history, he will arrive on campus with a deeply rooted understanding of Purdue’s potential in our state, our country and our world.

As acting president until January, I look forward to working alongside Purdue’s many faculty, staff, students, alumni and stakeholders as we continue to make a difference in our mission areas of learning, discovery and engagement.

Vic Lechtenberg will serve as acting provost during this transition period. He knows Purdue as well as anyone and is well prepared to serve in this role.

Great things are underway at our university. Retention rates among all groups are at record highs. Graduation rates, therefore, are destined to improve. Our scientists are playing roles in the major discoveries of our day, including the identification of what appears to be the elusive Higgs boson, which could provide insight into how the universe was formed. We are embracing innovative tools and programs – such as the balanced trimester, PurdueHub-U online learning and an innovation and commercialization center – that will enhance the value of a Purdue degree, and help hold down educational costs.

I’m honored and humbled to continue the university’s forward momentum as the acting president of Purdue. And come January, I will be focused and energetic while serving as provost alongside President Daniels. We are united by our shared commitment to Purdue and our common passion for higher education.